Yaakoosge Daakahidi gets high praise from commission

Posted: Wednesday, November 10, 2010

By SARAH DAY

The Northwest Accreditation Commission recently visited Yaakoosge Daakahidi High School and recommended the school's continuing accreditation in a report presented to the Juneau School District board Tuesday.

The commission spent a day evaluating the school, and produced a report providing a lengthy list of praise and a short list of recommended improvements.

In all, the commission listed 27 commendations for the school, which gave praise for the effectiveness of its mission statement, curriculum, staff, student performance processes, professional staff development, assessment procedures and others. Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich presented the report to the school board Tuesday.

The commission praised Yaakoosge for twice winning the Apple Distinguished award and having strong community partnerships that support the diverse needs of the student body. Yaakoosge also received positive notice for its plans that not only provide for a variety of instructional activities and programs and for the health and safety of all persons, but also incorporate aesthetic features that contribute to a positive educational atmosphere while providing for needed flexibility.

Yaakoosge also demonstrates it is a school that organizes learning for students, fosters leadership, engages its members and has a profound effect on teaching and learning, the commission's report stated.

The review also pointed out four areas where Yaakoosge could improve:

 The school should continue to work on being more intentional about incorporating higher order thinking into lesson and course design and aligning assessments to measure those targets. The school is currently strengthening those in their Professional Learning Communities.

 The library media program should be expanded and directed by a qualified staff person.

 Security and safety measures for staff and students in the gym (ceiling, stage, and shower issues) and the entrance (office oversight, visitor access) should be addressed.

 Nurse services should be strengthened. Students currently have to travel to other schools for those services.

Gelbrich said the full report - which is rather lengthy - will likely be posted online.

Please see Thursday's Empire for more on Tuesday's school board meeting.

 Contact reporter Sarah Day at 523-2279 or at sarah.day@juneauempire.com.